SailRail Query

[J.C.]

I have booked a ‘Sailrail Standby Single’ from Halifax to Dublin Ferryport (and in reverse) and I have conflicting information about the reservations required for the rail part of my journey.

The reason I book ‘Standby’ is that according to the ticket restrictions on the Virgin Trains website, there is ‘mandatory reservation on the ship but not required for rail travel’. To me this allows a little flexibility in terms of making my way to and from Holyhead.

The tickets have arrived together with a small rainforest’s worth of reservations.
The travel tickets themselves are not printed with the phrase ‘Valid only with reservation(s)’ like other tickets I have had which require mandatory reservations.

Out of curiosity I checked the ‘6L’ code on the National Rail website.
It states that ‘Reservations are compulsory on all legs.’

I am, therefore confused:
The place I bought the tickets from says I don’t need the reservations for rail travel (and believe me, I have taken a screenshot of this!), the ticket gives no mention that they are compulsory, but National Rail says I do need them!

Who is correct? Any advice gratefully received.

J.C.

 

[Flying Snail]

The only extra you get for the higher priced "standby" ticket is the ability to alter from the designated itinerary, these tickets should not force you to use reserved trains.

The tickets you have been issued should not be tied to specific reservations, should not have the word "Advance" on it and should have no mention of reservations.

You can of course use any seat reservations provided if they suit your itinerary but I would suggest you keep them separate and not hand them to any staff at any point in your journey.


Be careful of tight connections at Holyhead and if you are planning on using the fast ferry departures check the Irish Ferries website beforehand to confirm it is running, allowing yourself enough time to alter your plans if not.

 

[J.C.]

Thank you for taking the time to reply, Flying Snail.

I did, indeed, forget to mention the other reason for 'Standby' is so that I can refund the tickets if I need to and as I'm travelling with two other people this is a useful safeguard.
You are correct - the tickets are just 'Single' tickets and don't have any mention of 'Advance' or any mention of reservations.

I can't use the 10.40 fast ferry - there isn't a departure early enough to get me to Holyhead, but thanks for the heads-up.

So is it just wrong on the National Rail site? That part still confuses me!

Thanks J.C.

 

[Flying Snail]

Yes, it's wrong. There is no break of journey allowed but other than that the tickets have no restrictions.

 

[bkhtele]

Yes the code should be 6j walk up Irish ferries (code used for standby swift). Someone should advise tfw who set the fares. These are flexible tickets.